On Demand CxO, Chief Executive Officer, M&A Execution
+61 410 010 926
Ian.Kelly@LeadersOnDemand.com
Ian is a driven, results and commercially focused CXO with a proven strength in building and leading companies through growth phases requiring defined strategy, acquisitions, rigorous governance and high-performance operations.
Bringing international experience from CEO leadership roles, people he has worked with recognise him as a specialist in business improvement programs, executive team development and investment and market expansion strategies.
Leveraging extensive international experience in telecommunications and infrastructure - including 20+ years in Australia, the UK, Europe, Middle East and Asia – he is positioned to manage end to end M&A lifecycles, integrate investments, deliver on growth agendas in highly complex stakeholder and technology environments and drive multiple phases of operational transformation.
Career History
Before returning to Australia, Ian was Group CEO of a multiple country telecoms operation which he joined following leading M&A transactions and managing corporate strategy projects in the Middle East, South East Asia, India and Europe.
Previously Ian led strategy and operational information and communications technology consulting projects in the Asia Pacific region, including domestic and international infrastructure growth initiatives, transformation and cost efficiency programs. He has also been a senior executive in broadband infrastructure start-ups leading marketing, product development, sales and channel management, business development and strategy functions.
He started his career in IT sales before starting his international career with British Telecom in Singapore. where he managed telecommunications and multi-media merger, acquisition and joint venture initiatives.
Leadership Highlights
As CEO led a transformation program that included merging and centralising operations, implementing a strategic shift in focus to B2B, a triple play multi- jurisdictional BSS implmentation and the rollout of core IT systems enabling standard operational and security capabilities.
Improved employee engagement with a multiple-year employee satisfaction program and implementing an Executive level succession program that ensured a smooth transition of key roles, including his own as the Group CEO.
Led, from opportunity identification to completion and integration, domestic and multi-national merger and acquisition initiatives of start-up and mature wireless and integrated operators, infrastructure carve-outs, internet service, application and content providers,
As an Board Director and member of the Audit Committee responsible for implementing controls on behalf of the Board, leading to improved shareholder management of its investments.
Parachuted in as interim CEO, led the review of the financial and commercial position of a listed client company and its subsidiaries after an M&A phase and implementation with action plans included merger, disposal, cost reduction programs and executing cross subsidiary revenue opportunities.
Qualifications
MBA, B.Bus. (Management & Marketing), B.Arts (Psychology), Corporate Finance Program
Sectors
Telecoms Services and Infrastructure, Information Technology, Data Centers, Cyber Security
Functions
CEO, General Management, Mergers and Acquisitions, Strategy, Transformation & Restructuring, Board Director, Audit Committee Chair
Situations
Operational and Strategic Leadership, Crises & Turnarounds, M&A Transactions, Enterprise-wide Transformations, Transitions, Start-ups
Favourite quotes
“On the bike you think that time is standing still, or at least that it is no threat at all. The bike protects you from despair” Burt Wagendorp
“Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance, you must keep moving” Albert Einstein
“I joined Leaders on Demand...
... because I have experienced, as CEO, the need for the interim executive leadership Leaders on Demand provides and believe that my career and life experiences will contribute to the values and priorities they promise and deliver on”
“When I'm not at work...
... having been away for a long time, I have been reconnecting with family and friends using cooking as a bridge. I like daily swims in the sea, even during winter, and am trying to reignite my dormant passion for cycling which had taken me over the major Cols of Europe”